Nobody wants to think about death.
We have been forced to deal with it as we have ministered to grieving families over the years.
Death is inevitable. It is also unnatural.
God created us from the dust of the ground. Dirt. Amazingly, we were formed from fragile material but with a resilience that is almost death-defying. Our Maker intended us to prosper and flourish in our Garden home.
God breathed into Adam that eternal, life-giving spirit. We were meant to live forever.
Genesis 3 explains why we now face the harsh reality of death. Adam and Eve disobeyed the only commandment: don't eat from that one tree. Because they ate of its fruit, death entered the world. Disease, suffering, dysfunction, abuse, separation, darkness, evil...all these elements of sin influenced humanity and all creation. The part of our existence that would live forever was now broken; we were now destined for eternity in hell. And our life on earth would be fraught with pain and difficulty.
I am thinking about these things in light of the shootings in La Loche, Saskatchewan. What dark thoughts did this young Dene man have tormenting him that he would act out in the ultimate act of murder? Five lives were lost. Many others affected by this violence. Where is the hope?
I am thinking about the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl on Whitebear First Nation. She was a niece to one of our co-workers. Her frozen body was found only yards from a house. What a sad and senseless end to a life barely begun! Where is the hope?
Yesterday was the second anniversary of my Dad's passing. His once strong and athletic body is gone. His once active mind and silly sense of humour is silent. I miss him. We all miss him.
This afternoon, I visited my Grandpa in the hospital. He is 93. He lived a long, full life, farming and raising 7 children. It was hard to see him lying in the bed, oxygen and IV tubes connecting his body to life-sustaining elements. He could pull through this bladder infection. But even if he rallies, he has Alzheimers and will return to the nursing home down the road.
Grandpa could barely whisper my Mom's name and ask after Grandma. He used to unwind the dining room window and holler out instructions to a hired hand without the aid of a bullhorn. He didn't need one! I noticed the strength still in his calloused and curved hands; he gripped the bedrail or our hands with the power of one used to hard work. But it is obvious Grandpa will not live forever on this earth. He will pass on. Maybe very soon.
So as I consider how death can come quickly and unexpectedly, violently and tragically, I also see the way death can come slowly and gradually, through deterioration and age. How do I reconcile the horrible realities of some deaths and the natural end to a normal life in others?
I have no words of wisdom, no answer that is not cliche.
All I have is the conversation Walter and I had with my Grandma at her home in Weyburn. I was bracing myself for some tears, some brokenness and defeat. Instead, Grandma was in her recliner chair with a cup of tea, after having whipped up some cornmeal muffins in case people stopped by and needed a snack. We chatted. When Walter brought up Grandpa's condition, Grandma simply said, "It won't happen fast. If he recovers it will take some time. If he goes, it will also be a while."
I took comfort in her peaceful acceptance.
Death is part of life. We can't rush it. We can't avoid it.
Where is the hope?
My hope is in my Maker. He has our lives in His hands, our souls in His care. He has made a way for us to live with Him in eternity when we put our trust in His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus knew death. His death bought us eternal life.
I can trust a Saviour who died for me.
Sunday 31 January 2016
Wednesday 27 January 2016
POIGNANT MOMENTS
Sipping Tim Horton's coffee at the Calgary Airport
Finding our rental car upgrade - a black BMW
Marveling at the tree-covered mountains that cradle Kelowna
Enjoying coffee and muffins at Bliss Bistro in Peachland
Reminiscing with Walter's old friends from back home
Gazing at the twinkling lights across Okanagan Lake Driving over the bridge to Westbank/West Kelowna
Sharing lunch with a young man from home who is doing his pastoral internship in BC
Sleeping in the bedroom of a young gal, 13-year-old cancer survivor, who gave up her bed for us
Being thankful for an accommodating cook at the missions conference
Hugging our daughter and going to church with her Sunday morning
Praying for Walter as he (&2 other missionaries) shared last-minute at the missions event
Losing my voice from allergies/talking to students and others by our Healing Hearts booth
Worshiping by listening to the folks around me while I mutely lifted my hands
Tearing up as we watched our daughter perform with her drama tour group
Reading & praying at 3 a.m.
Hearing the next morning of battles and victories
Listening to fellow missionaries share about stress and loneliness
Bumping through some turbulence over Calgary
Watching Netflix in the airport with one set of earphones
Waking in my own bed
Basking in the Saskatchewan sunshine through my living room window
Praising God for another safe and Spirit-led journey
Sipping Tim Horton's coffee at the Calgary Airport
Finding our rental car upgrade - a black BMW
Marveling at the tree-covered mountains that cradle Kelowna
Enjoying coffee and muffins at Bliss Bistro in Peachland
Reminiscing with Walter's old friends from back home
Gazing at the twinkling lights across Okanagan Lake Driving over the bridge to Westbank/West Kelowna
Sharing lunch with a young man from home who is doing his pastoral internship in BC
Sleeping in the bedroom of a young gal, 13-year-old cancer survivor, who gave up her bed for us
Being thankful for an accommodating cook at the missions conference
Hugging our daughter and going to church with her Sunday morning
Praying for Walter as he (&2 other missionaries) shared last-minute at the missions event
Losing my voice from allergies/talking to students and others by our Healing Hearts booth
Worshiping by listening to the folks around me while I mutely lifted my hands
Tearing up as we watched our daughter perform with her drama tour group
Reading & praying at 3 a.m.
Hearing the next morning of battles and victories
Listening to fellow missionaries share about stress and loneliness
Bumping through some turbulence over Calgary
Watching Netflix in the airport with one set of earphones
Waking in my own bed
Basking in the Saskatchewan sunshine through my living room window
Praising God for another safe and Spirit-led journey
Sunday 10 January 2016
Singing along to the "George Strait Greatest Hits" CD, Daniel and I did a road trip to Prince Albert on Saturday! It was cold out and the highway was clear and dry. Perfect.
We made it to the Baptist Church with half an hour to spare. As we strode quickly up the front steps, we admired the splendid stone foundation, the grand double wooden doors and stained glass windows. Inside was just as inspiring, with gorgeously stained woodwork on the posts upholding the balcony and the panels behind the altar. We were seated by an usher in a pew three rows from the front, gazing up at the array of pipes for an antique pipe organ.
A pianist, violinist and trumpet player arranged themselves to our left and began to play lovely prelude pieces.
Soon, the tempo changed and we turned to see the pastor and a row of handsome gentlemen make their way to the front of the sanctuary. The musicians began to play a lovely tune as the bridesmaids smiled nervously and stepped carefully to the front. Then four sweet little girls scattered flower petals from white wicker baskets. Two ring bearers clad in black suits and burgundy ties to match the groomsmen, made their way up quickly and handed over their precious cargo.
The musicians made a hasty transition across the stage/dais to the organ on the right side. Then a lovely bridal march signaled us all to stand as the bride and her father made the grand entrance. Daniel and I looked from the groom to the bride and back again, smiling at their obvious delight in one another. The wedding of Tim Giesbrecht to Tammy Siemens was about to begin.
The service was beautiful. It was obvious this couple wanted nothing more than to serve God and give Him glory with their lives and their marriage. They shared vows they had written, emphasizing their own frailties but their intention to trust in God to help them be loving and faithful. Sealed with a kiss, the pastor pronounced them husband and wife.
Daniel and I made an exit to find some lunch! It would be a few hours until the reception and we couldn't survive on the road snacks we had eaten on the way. Tim Horton's was a logical choice. Then with the simple map on the back of the wedding bulletin, we made our way to the Nordale Community Hall to visit before the wedding party would arrive.
Conversation starters were "How do you know Tim and Tammy?" or "Are you relatives or friends of the couple?" Walter and I knew Tammy as she is an M.K. (missionary kid) of NCEM staff members we have known since our career began under NCEM in 1989. So we knew Tammy as a young gal, although she wouldn't have really known us or our family personally. And we know Tim as he came to Regina as an intern through Nipawin Bible College about 8 or 9 years ago. When we received the invitation to their wedding, we wanted to show our support to them both! As they had met and now married in their mid-thirties, we knew they had both waited for God's will and timing in finding lifemates. God had blessed them!
"Where's Walter?" That was the other topic of conversation. Or that confused look of folks who kind of recognized me, but couldn't place Daniel...several of the wedding guests knew Walter, or knew of our family, but it had been years since they had seen us. So rather than be offended, Daniel and I enjoyed the guessing game, or the looks of surprise and acknowledgement of our identities! Unfortunately, Walter couldn't make it to the wedding because he had a Healing Hearts Ministry Board meeting, that had taken months to finalize a date that worked for the majority of the members!
The meal was tasty and the company was very interesting. We met a church planting couple who may be a connection for Daniel when he moves up to Saskatoon for his sheet metal courses in March. Their congregation meets in a theatre downtown; they emphasize small house groups during the week. Might be a good place to worship and stay connected to God's people while he's away from home.
Speeches were short and fun! We noticed the deer antlers on the head table, confirming Tim didn't plan to give up his love of hunting! The other decorations were lovely white tulle and burgundy accents, a pretty winter combination.
As the couple were to cut and serve the cake, Daniel and I made our exit. We were able to catch the bride and groom to deliver our greetings and congratulations from Healing Hearts and our own family. Then we drove the four hour journey back to Regina. It took a little longer as we encountered fog south of Saskatoon. Thankfully traffic was light and the fog patches were not for a long distance. I now know every song on the George Strait album, and enjoyed visiting with my son one-on-one, which is a special and rare blessing.
Walter waited up for us and it was good to compare our days' adventures with each other. It was well after midnight by the time we all settled down to sleep.
Another trip that God clearly guided.
We made it to the Baptist Church with half an hour to spare. As we strode quickly up the front steps, we admired the splendid stone foundation, the grand double wooden doors and stained glass windows. Inside was just as inspiring, with gorgeously stained woodwork on the posts upholding the balcony and the panels behind the altar. We were seated by an usher in a pew three rows from the front, gazing up at the array of pipes for an antique pipe organ.
A pianist, violinist and trumpet player arranged themselves to our left and began to play lovely prelude pieces.
Soon, the tempo changed and we turned to see the pastor and a row of handsome gentlemen make their way to the front of the sanctuary. The musicians began to play a lovely tune as the bridesmaids smiled nervously and stepped carefully to the front. Then four sweet little girls scattered flower petals from white wicker baskets. Two ring bearers clad in black suits and burgundy ties to match the groomsmen, made their way up quickly and handed over their precious cargo.
The musicians made a hasty transition across the stage/dais to the organ on the right side. Then a lovely bridal march signaled us all to stand as the bride and her father made the grand entrance. Daniel and I looked from the groom to the bride and back again, smiling at their obvious delight in one another. The wedding of Tim Giesbrecht to Tammy Siemens was about to begin.
The service was beautiful. It was obvious this couple wanted nothing more than to serve God and give Him glory with their lives and their marriage. They shared vows they had written, emphasizing their own frailties but their intention to trust in God to help them be loving and faithful. Sealed with a kiss, the pastor pronounced them husband and wife.
Daniel and I made an exit to find some lunch! It would be a few hours until the reception and we couldn't survive on the road snacks we had eaten on the way. Tim Horton's was a logical choice. Then with the simple map on the back of the wedding bulletin, we made our way to the Nordale Community Hall to visit before the wedding party would arrive.
Conversation starters were "How do you know Tim and Tammy?" or "Are you relatives or friends of the couple?" Walter and I knew Tammy as she is an M.K. (missionary kid) of NCEM staff members we have known since our career began under NCEM in 1989. So we knew Tammy as a young gal, although she wouldn't have really known us or our family personally. And we know Tim as he came to Regina as an intern through Nipawin Bible College about 8 or 9 years ago. When we received the invitation to their wedding, we wanted to show our support to them both! As they had met and now married in their mid-thirties, we knew they had both waited for God's will and timing in finding lifemates. God had blessed them!
"Where's Walter?" That was the other topic of conversation. Or that confused look of folks who kind of recognized me, but couldn't place Daniel...several of the wedding guests knew Walter, or knew of our family, but it had been years since they had seen us. So rather than be offended, Daniel and I enjoyed the guessing game, or the looks of surprise and acknowledgement of our identities! Unfortunately, Walter couldn't make it to the wedding because he had a Healing Hearts Ministry Board meeting, that had taken months to finalize a date that worked for the majority of the members!
The meal was tasty and the company was very interesting. We met a church planting couple who may be a connection for Daniel when he moves up to Saskatoon for his sheet metal courses in March. Their congregation meets in a theatre downtown; they emphasize small house groups during the week. Might be a good place to worship and stay connected to God's people while he's away from home.
Speeches were short and fun! We noticed the deer antlers on the head table, confirming Tim didn't plan to give up his love of hunting! The other decorations were lovely white tulle and burgundy accents, a pretty winter combination.
As the couple were to cut and serve the cake, Daniel and I made our exit. We were able to catch the bride and groom to deliver our greetings and congratulations from Healing Hearts and our own family. Then we drove the four hour journey back to Regina. It took a little longer as we encountered fog south of Saskatoon. Thankfully traffic was light and the fog patches were not for a long distance. I now know every song on the George Strait album, and enjoyed visiting with my son one-on-one, which is a special and rare blessing.
Walter waited up for us and it was good to compare our days' adventures with each other. It was well after midnight by the time we all settled down to sleep.
Another trip that God clearly guided.
Thursday 7 January 2016
WHY? What does God have in mind for this connection?
In preparing for the trip to Calgary, Walter asked himself that a few times. Of all the ministries and missionaries that Samaritan's Purse has relationships and partnerships with, why have I been invited to present there?
We flew to Calgary Monday afternoon, arriving and assuming we would find our own ride to the hotel we were to stay at...after searching for the right pillar to wait for a shuttle to the Sandman Inn, we got a text that John from S.P. would pick us up! So we loaded our overnight bags into John's little truck and headed to his home for supper.
John and Michelle prepared a wonderful Thai meal for us-being mindful of Walter's fat-free dietary needs-and we enjoyed our evening with their family. They have two daughters, Aileen aged 12 and Vivian aged 10. Delightful young ladies, busy with homework but trying to engage with us in conversation when topics were of interest to them.
John had to take a quick phone call, then drove us to the hotel for the night. Although it was about 8:30 pm Alberta time, we were an hour later on our bodies' time clocks. So we were thankful to relax a bit and get to bed at a decent time.
The alarm on Walter's I-phone went off at 6:15 am...7:15 am Sask time! What missionary working in First Nations culture has early morning breakfast meetings? Well, we do when we are connecting in a more corporate world with head office-types! So we showered and dressed and met John, Fred and Larry for breakfast at the Moxie's Restaurant at our hotel. It was nice to meet and chat with these key gentlemen in the Calgary headquarters. John directed the conversation to Walter's presentation so they could all get on the same page for the morning's agenda. Walter had met all three before and Larry, being the guy in the First Nations community they were beginning an outreach in, had spent some time with Walter back in April. So it was a reunion, but also a deepening of the relationship.
By the time it was growing light outside, it was time for us to walk across the road to the Samaritan's Purse office. How convenient! So we hustled up to our room, finished packing and checked out to be at the devotional time at 8:45 am.
Back in September,we had toured the warehouse and offices, where all the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes are gathered, repacked and sent out! So walking in on Tuesday morning, we were greeted by Carolyn, who knew us before through Crossroads Community Church (Walter's home church). And it felt wonderful to be recognized and welcomed.
We received visitor passes and quickly followed the others to the meeting room.
Walter shared a few thoughts from John 6 on inviting Jesus into the boat of our lives, into the storms of our lives. The group of about 25 then shared some prayer requests. That was amazing and challenging! The items I see on the news, the disasters and the crises, they translate into real people and needs that Samaritan's Purse staff seeks to bring help to. So the prayer requests were global and incredible to Walter and myself as we sat there and listened. Then we broke into smaller groups and prayed about Greece, Nepal, the Syrian refugees...it opened our eyes and hearts to God's work all across the world.
Walter was sharing his PowerPoint, speaking about dependency issues and the strategies for healthy ministry to the poor and broken. While he was presenting, both he and I were still asking ourselves: why are we here? What is God doing?
We had a tasty lunch with Larry, and his wife Trixie, from Dease Lake. It was nice to meet and visit with this couple, whom Walter had connected with back in April. We felt a quick comraderie as we shared our common stories and experiences in ministry. I asked lots of questions and they were so very open and transparent. Definitely kindred spirits. Lunch was over way too soon.
In the second meeting after lunch, a smaller group met and shared their specific ministries with us. Some had direct connections with First Nations and some had indirect relationships with the outreach in Dease Lake and/or Siksika First Nation. One guy came in late, introduced himself and shared his ministry. Then he asked, thinking he had missed some important links in the meeting, so what is the future relationship of Samaritan's Purse with Healing Hearts? We all kind of looked at each other around the tables and John spoke up. Shrugging his shoulders, he voiced that he didn't know but we will wait on God's direction.
And that is where it is at. God has a plan and His sovereign will is all we need to trust for now.
We caught a ride to the airport, boarded our plane and flew uneventfully back to Regina. Our car was parked in the overnight parking lot and we conveniently took our carry-on luggage directly to the car. Within minutes of landing on the Regina Airport tarmac, we were cruising ring road to our home.
Another successful and safe trip.
Thank You, Lord, for knowing why!
In preparing for the trip to Calgary, Walter asked himself that a few times. Of all the ministries and missionaries that Samaritan's Purse has relationships and partnerships with, why have I been invited to present there?
We flew to Calgary Monday afternoon, arriving and assuming we would find our own ride to the hotel we were to stay at...after searching for the right pillar to wait for a shuttle to the Sandman Inn, we got a text that John from S.P. would pick us up! So we loaded our overnight bags into John's little truck and headed to his home for supper.
John and Michelle prepared a wonderful Thai meal for us-being mindful of Walter's fat-free dietary needs-and we enjoyed our evening with their family. They have two daughters, Aileen aged 12 and Vivian aged 10. Delightful young ladies, busy with homework but trying to engage with us in conversation when topics were of interest to them.
John had to take a quick phone call, then drove us to the hotel for the night. Although it was about 8:30 pm Alberta time, we were an hour later on our bodies' time clocks. So we were thankful to relax a bit and get to bed at a decent time.
The alarm on Walter's I-phone went off at 6:15 am...7:15 am Sask time! What missionary working in First Nations culture has early morning breakfast meetings? Well, we do when we are connecting in a more corporate world with head office-types! So we showered and dressed and met John, Fred and Larry for breakfast at the Moxie's Restaurant at our hotel. It was nice to meet and chat with these key gentlemen in the Calgary headquarters. John directed the conversation to Walter's presentation so they could all get on the same page for the morning's agenda. Walter had met all three before and Larry, being the guy in the First Nations community they were beginning an outreach in, had spent some time with Walter back in April. So it was a reunion, but also a deepening of the relationship.
By the time it was growing light outside, it was time for us to walk across the road to the Samaritan's Purse office. How convenient! So we hustled up to our room, finished packing and checked out to be at the devotional time at 8:45 am.
Back in September,we had toured the warehouse and offices, where all the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes are gathered, repacked and sent out! So walking in on Tuesday morning, we were greeted by Carolyn, who knew us before through Crossroads Community Church (Walter's home church). And it felt wonderful to be recognized and welcomed.
We received visitor passes and quickly followed the others to the meeting room.
Walter shared a few thoughts from John 6 on inviting Jesus into the boat of our lives, into the storms of our lives. The group of about 25 then shared some prayer requests. That was amazing and challenging! The items I see on the news, the disasters and the crises, they translate into real people and needs that Samaritan's Purse staff seeks to bring help to. So the prayer requests were global and incredible to Walter and myself as we sat there and listened. Then we broke into smaller groups and prayed about Greece, Nepal, the Syrian refugees...it opened our eyes and hearts to God's work all across the world.
Walter was sharing his PowerPoint, speaking about dependency issues and the strategies for healthy ministry to the poor and broken. While he was presenting, both he and I were still asking ourselves: why are we here? What is God doing?
We had a tasty lunch with Larry, and his wife Trixie, from Dease Lake. It was nice to meet and visit with this couple, whom Walter had connected with back in April. We felt a quick comraderie as we shared our common stories and experiences in ministry. I asked lots of questions and they were so very open and transparent. Definitely kindred spirits. Lunch was over way too soon.
In the second meeting after lunch, a smaller group met and shared their specific ministries with us. Some had direct connections with First Nations and some had indirect relationships with the outreach in Dease Lake and/or Siksika First Nation. One guy came in late, introduced himself and shared his ministry. Then he asked, thinking he had missed some important links in the meeting, so what is the future relationship of Samaritan's Purse with Healing Hearts? We all kind of looked at each other around the tables and John spoke up. Shrugging his shoulders, he voiced that he didn't know but we will wait on God's direction.
And that is where it is at. God has a plan and His sovereign will is all we need to trust for now.
We caught a ride to the airport, boarded our plane and flew uneventfully back to Regina. Our car was parked in the overnight parking lot and we conveniently took our carry-on luggage directly to the car. Within minutes of landing on the Regina Airport tarmac, we were cruising ring road to our home.
Another successful and safe trip.
Thank You, Lord, for knowing why!
Sunday 3 January 2016
Feeling sad.
With Caylea packed up and gone back to rejoin the "Upside-Down Productions" drama tour, I now feel like the Christmas holidays are officially over.
The tree is looking dry and dying. I will take that down next week. But I like to leave the Nativity scenes up and our Christmas cards on display. Reminders of Jesus are never out of season!
So I glance into Caylea's now neat and tidy room and pray for her. We are proud of her choice to minister, to stretch her skills and her faith in learning something new. The life on the road is not easy and she is being challenged in all kinds of ways. But God is doing a work in her and we see that growth!
I got a text today from Mark and Amy. "We won't have cell service at this camp."
Although they are in southern Manitoba at Rouseau River Bible Camp for the next month, it now feels like they are in a remote part of the world being out of cell phone range! I say a prayer for them both, that they would be strong for their tasks, spiritually and physically refreshed and ready to connect and engage with the 12 students returning for 2nd semester of "Encounter". Lord, watch over them.
So, I felt teary as I worshiped this morning.
I looked ahead of me and there is our son, Daniel, standing to sing praises to the Lord. I am thankful for his presence in our home. He is a decent young man, working hard at his sheet metal apprenticeship and serving quietly and faithfully in church. He'll be gone to Saskatoon for two months early this spring, but it is nice to know he is close by. We're proud of the character development Daniel has shown over the years. I pray for him to keep true to the Lord in all he does.
Walter and I will be flying to Calgary tomorrow, back on Tuesday. Life goes on.
My sadness has turned to gratitude. Christmas cannot last forever. But God's blessings do!
With Caylea packed up and gone back to rejoin the "Upside-Down Productions" drama tour, I now feel like the Christmas holidays are officially over.
The tree is looking dry and dying. I will take that down next week. But I like to leave the Nativity scenes up and our Christmas cards on display. Reminders of Jesus are never out of season!
So I glance into Caylea's now neat and tidy room and pray for her. We are proud of her choice to minister, to stretch her skills and her faith in learning something new. The life on the road is not easy and she is being challenged in all kinds of ways. But God is doing a work in her and we see that growth!
I got a text today from Mark and Amy. "We won't have cell service at this camp."
Although they are in southern Manitoba at Rouseau River Bible Camp for the next month, it now feels like they are in a remote part of the world being out of cell phone range! I say a prayer for them both, that they would be strong for their tasks, spiritually and physically refreshed and ready to connect and engage with the 12 students returning for 2nd semester of "Encounter". Lord, watch over them.
So, I felt teary as I worshiped this morning.
I looked ahead of me and there is our son, Daniel, standing to sing praises to the Lord. I am thankful for his presence in our home. He is a decent young man, working hard at his sheet metal apprenticeship and serving quietly and faithfully in church. He'll be gone to Saskatoon for two months early this spring, but it is nice to know he is close by. We're proud of the character development Daniel has shown over the years. I pray for him to keep true to the Lord in all he does.
Walter and I will be flying to Calgary tomorrow, back on Tuesday. Life goes on.
My sadness has turned to gratitude. Christmas cannot last forever. But God's blessings do!
Friday 1 January 2016
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am proud of ourselves, staying up past midnight to bring in the New Year! We had my traditional candlelight supper and then played Mexican Train dominoes game. It was fun to have Dinah, my step brother, Lance, Daniel's buddy and Caylea's friend celebrate with us.
Opening my Bible, I felt like starting the new year by reading a Psalm. Not the first one; I often start there. How about Psalm 101? As the first verse unfolded before me, I began to see how free David was in worship. He declared "I will..." several times in the psalm, beginning with his determination to sing of the Lord's love and justice, to make music to the Lord. David worshiped in the pastures with his flocks of sheep. David worshiped in caves when hiding from his enemies. David worshiped in the tent that housed the Ark of the Covenant. He worshiped in the streets, in his palace, in his room.
I realized how inhibited I am in praying, in singing and entering into worship when others might be around. I was challenged to keep on seeking the Lord, whether it is convenient or not, whether I am busy or relaxed. I just want to learn to enjoy the Lord and be more free in expression of my love for Him!
David's passion for the Almighty is so clear as he continues to make "I will" statements. He desires to live with integrity. He pledges to walk blamelessly in his house. He promises to avoid evil, punish evildoers and fight evil within his kingdom.
Before getting all excited and inspired to follow David's journey into intimacy with the Lord, I flashed back to the many times when David sinned. He stumbled and fell morally, his family was a mess, he was a complicated mix of godliness and selfishness. How can I reconcile David's faith and heart for God with his sinfulness?
Bringing in another thread in the fabric of my recent life, I recalled Spurgeon's sermon last Sunday on "Mercy and Grace". We all the forgiveness of the Lord in order to begin a relationship with Him and to keep in constant and close fellowship with Him.
That's how David could be spoken of as a man after God's own heart: the mercy and grace of the Lord. Falling on the love and tenderness of the Father, David kept seeking after the Lord even when sin separated him. He knew to repent, to acknowledge his sin and ask for the cleansing of the blood of the sacrificial lamb.
No, I couldn't reject the words of David in Psalm 101 based on David's track record of sin. I am no different. I need to echo those words of decision to chase hard after the Lord and battle evil on every front - in my home, in my relationships, in my marriage, in my public life...
The new year of 2016 is a perfect opportunity to rededicate myself to a personal holiness and submission to the Lordship of Jesus over all that I am.
"I will walk with integrity of heart within my house..." Me, too!
I am proud of ourselves, staying up past midnight to bring in the New Year! We had my traditional candlelight supper and then played Mexican Train dominoes game. It was fun to have Dinah, my step brother, Lance, Daniel's buddy and Caylea's friend celebrate with us.
Opening my Bible, I felt like starting the new year by reading a Psalm. Not the first one; I often start there. How about Psalm 101? As the first verse unfolded before me, I began to see how free David was in worship. He declared "I will..." several times in the psalm, beginning with his determination to sing of the Lord's love and justice, to make music to the Lord. David worshiped in the pastures with his flocks of sheep. David worshiped in caves when hiding from his enemies. David worshiped in the tent that housed the Ark of the Covenant. He worshiped in the streets, in his palace, in his room.
I realized how inhibited I am in praying, in singing and entering into worship when others might be around. I was challenged to keep on seeking the Lord, whether it is convenient or not, whether I am busy or relaxed. I just want to learn to enjoy the Lord and be more free in expression of my love for Him!
David's passion for the Almighty is so clear as he continues to make "I will" statements. He desires to live with integrity. He pledges to walk blamelessly in his house. He promises to avoid evil, punish evildoers and fight evil within his kingdom.
Before getting all excited and inspired to follow David's journey into intimacy with the Lord, I flashed back to the many times when David sinned. He stumbled and fell morally, his family was a mess, he was a complicated mix of godliness and selfishness. How can I reconcile David's faith and heart for God with his sinfulness?
Bringing in another thread in the fabric of my recent life, I recalled Spurgeon's sermon last Sunday on "Mercy and Grace". We all the forgiveness of the Lord in order to begin a relationship with Him and to keep in constant and close fellowship with Him.
That's how David could be spoken of as a man after God's own heart: the mercy and grace of the Lord. Falling on the love and tenderness of the Father, David kept seeking after the Lord even when sin separated him. He knew to repent, to acknowledge his sin and ask for the cleansing of the blood of the sacrificial lamb.
No, I couldn't reject the words of David in Psalm 101 based on David's track record of sin. I am no different. I need to echo those words of decision to chase hard after the Lord and battle evil on every front - in my home, in my relationships, in my marriage, in my public life...
The new year of 2016 is a perfect opportunity to rededicate myself to a personal holiness and submission to the Lordship of Jesus over all that I am.
"I will walk with integrity of heart within my house..." Me, too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)